A COMMUNITY-MINDED trader has been nominated by two people for the Gazette's Pride in our People business category.

Mary Gill, 53, has been praised for the way she runs school outfitters Class Designs, but also for her work in improving Hanwell town centre and its community.

The Perivale mum-of-four said she was stunned to be nominated saying: "There are much more deserving people than me. We all just try and help one another in new businesses and we have all tried to rejuvenate Hanwell."

She was nominated by Cllr Colm Costello, involved in Hanwell's regeneration when Mary chaired the Hanwell Traders' Association.

He said: "She did an awful lot of work. Even though she had her own business to run and a family to manage, Mary still found time to commit to improving Hanwell, not just for her own business, but also for her fellow traders.

"She worked tirelessly to include as many of them as possible. Mary has also played a role in Hanwell town centre for many years. You only have to look in the minutes of the old Hanwell area committee to see comments there by her going back many years. She is committed to making Hanwell a better place to trade in, not just for herself, but also every other trader in Hanwell."

She was also nominated by June Martin, who runs The Little Art Room in Hanwell, who said: "She and her colleagues always provide a welcoming and friendly service, quality products and good sound fair advice. Class Designs is an example of how to run an exemplary trusted local shop with a community focus.

"Mary is heavily involved in lots of aspects of our community, determinately working with a number of community groups to improve facilities and services in Hanwell for all our families.

As Chair of Hanwell Association of Traders she provides many of us with guidance and advice and is always there with a listening ear. Without a doubt her sound advise has guided me through some very sticky times in this current economic climate – something lots of our local traders can thank her for.

"Mary is the unassuming character who never gets or wants recognition for her diligent work and winning a Pride in Our People Award will show her how much our community appreciates her business and her many hours of devoted work to our community."